Combating Emerging Zoonotic Diseases Using One Health Strategies To Curb Local, National, Regional And Global Transmission And Mortality: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

Emerging zoonotic diseases account for 75% of new infectious threats worldwide due to increasing human-animal-environment interactions, land-use change, wildlife trade, and climate variability. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for integrated, joint approaches such as One Health to strengthen prevention, early detection, and response to zoonotic risks. The study objective is to synthesize evidence on the burden, drivers, challenges, and One Health strategies for combating emerging zoonotic diseases, and to identify actions to improve implementation at local, national, regional, and global levels.

METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they examined zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach and were published in English. Data were synthesized thematically to identify key patterns, intervention strategies, and gaps.

RESULTS

Zoonotic diseases impose morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. Evidence shows that One Health interventions such as integrated surveillance, joint outbreak investigations, and targeted vaccination have improved detection and control of diseases. However, implementation remains hindered by fragmented communication across sectors, policy inconsistencies, limited laboratory and surveillance capacity, inadequate cross-border cooperation, and limited funding. Vulnerabilities are particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries.

CONCLUSION

Effective implementation needs improved governance, sustainable financing, aligned policies, robust surveillance and laboratory systems, and meaningful community engagement. Investing in interdisciplinary research, early warning systems, and integrated response mechanisms will enhance preparedness and reduce zoonotic disease transmission. A well-resourced One Health framework is essential to protect human, animal, and environmental health.